NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 6: New questions and ideas

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In the context of Indology, Friedrich Max Muller is best known for his scholarly work related to:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe archaeological excavation of Harappan sites
BThe geographical mapping of Ashokan edicts
CThe decipherment of the Indus Valley script
DThe study and translation of the six systems of Indian philosophy

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

The study and translation of the six systems of Indian philosophy

Explanation

Friedrich Max Muller was a distinguished German philologist and Orientalist, widely regarded as one of the founders of modern Indology. His scholarly work focused primarily on the linguistic and philosophical analysis of ancient Sanskrit texts, rather than archaeological fieldwork.

Statement-wise Analysis

The decipherment of the Indus Valley script is Incorrect: The Indus Valley script remains undeciphered. Furthermore, the Indus Valley Civilization was formally identified and excavated in the 1920s (by scholars like John Marshall, R.D. Banerji, and Daya Ram Sahni), well after Max Muller’s death in 1900.
The archaeological excavation of Harappan sites is Incorrect: Max Muller was a text-based scholar who never visited India. He did not participate in archaeological excavations. The excavation of Harappan sites is associated with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 20th century.
The study and translation of the six systems of Indian philosophy is Correct: Max Muller is renowned for editing the Rig Veda and overseeing the massive 50-volume series, The Sacred Books of the East. He authored the seminal work The Six Systems of Indian Philosophy (1899), which detailed the orthodox (Astika) schools of Indian philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta.
The geographical mapping of Ashokan edicts is Incorrect: The decipherment of the Brahmi script used in Ashokan edicts was achieved by James Prinsep in 1837. The geographical mapping of these edicts was conducted by archaeologists like Alexander Cunningham.

Key Takeaway

Friedrich Max Muller is best known for his philological work, specifically the critical edition of the Rig Veda and his comprehensive study of the Six Systems of Indian Philosophy. He was not an archaeologist.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: New questions and ideas

With reference to the life of Siddhartha (Gautama Buddha), consider the following statements: 1. He belonged to a small gana known as the Sakya gana. 2. He was a brahmin by birth who renounced his status to seek knowledge. 3. He attained enlightenment under a peepal tree at Sarnath. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The term ‘Tanha’ used in the teachings of the Buddha refers to:

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the teachings of the Buddha: 1. He taught in the Sanskrit language to ensure purity of the message. 2. He believed that the results of our actions (karma) affect us both in this life and the next. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which one of the following ancient texts contains the famous story of the "Wise Beggar" (Shaunaka and Abhipratarin)?

medium

With reference to the Upanishadic thinkers, consider the following statements: 1. Most Upanishadic thinkers were men, especially brahmins and rajas. 2. Gargi was a woman thinker famous for her learning who participated in royal court debates. 3. Satyakama Jabala was a famous thinker named after his mother, who was a slave woman. 4. Poor people were strictly prohibited from ever participating in discussions on philosophy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

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Correct Option

The correct option is

The study and translation of the six systems of Indian philosophy

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

The decipherment of the Indus Valley script is Incorrect: The Indus Valley script remains undeciphered. Furthermore, the Indus Valley Civilization was formally identified and excavated in the 1920s (by scholars like John Marshall, R.D. Banerji, and Daya Ram Sahni), well after Max Muller’s death in 1900.
The archaeological excavation of Harappan sites is Incorrect: Max Muller was a text-based scholar who never visited India. He did not participate in archaeological excavations. The excavation of Harappan sites is associated with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 20th century.
The study and translation of the six systems of Indian philosophy is Correct: Max Muller is renowned for editing the Rig Veda and overseeing the massive 50-volume series, The Sacred Books of the East. He authored the seminal work The Six Systems of Indian Philosophy (1899), which detailed the orthodox (Astika) schools of Indian philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta.
The geographical mapping of Ashokan edicts is Incorrect: The decipherment of the Brahmi script used in Ashokan edicts was achieved by James Prinsep in 1837. The geographical mapping of these edicts was conducted by archaeologists like Alexander Cunningham.